Greyhound racing to continue under strict regulations

The greyhound racing industry must agree to tighter animal welfare regulations to continue in NSW.

A Greyhound Industry Reform Panel, chaired by former NSW Premier Morris Iemma, will determine a new regime for greyhound racing in NSW. The RSPCA, industry and government representatives have been invited to join the panel.

The panel's report will make recommendations on:

the NSW greyhound racing industry's governance structure

animal welfare regulation and compliance

racing and training environments

measures to meet community expectations.

Premier Mike Baird said the greyhound racing industry must reform and conform to the toughest regulations in the country to clamp down on animal cruelty.

"The barbaric practices of live baiting, cruel wastage and high rates of injury must end," Mr Baird said.

Mr Baird had previously announced a shutdown of the greyhound racing industry by 1 July 2017 after a Commission of Inquiry report found evidence of systemic animal cruelty.

Legislation to repeal the ban and deliver the new regime will be introduced in early 2017.